Airlines are not gentle with prams and car seats. Checked prams and car seats go through the same baggage handling as suitcases — conveyor belts, cargo holds, and handlers who are moving fast. A purpose-made travel bag protects the frame, wheels, and fabric from dirt, grease, and impact damage that would otherwise mean an expensive repair or replacement before you've even started your holiday.
Travel Gear stocks pram travel bags and car seat travel bags sized for a wide range of models, shipping from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Pram Travel Bags
Designed to enclose a folded pram or stroller completely, protecting it from baggage handling damage and keeping it clean in the cargo hold. Most pram travel bags are made from heavy-duty nylon or polyester with reinforced handles and a zip closure. Key considerations:
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Size compatibility: Measure your folded pram (length x width x height) before buying — pram bags are sized by folded dimensions, not pram model
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Padding: Padded bags offer more protection than unpadded bags for fragile frames and wheels
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Carry handles: Multiple handles make it easier to manoeuvre through the airport before check-in
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Storage: Some pram bags fold into a small pouch when not in use — useful for the return trip when you're carrying more than you arrived with
Car Seat Travel Bags
Car seats are bulky and awkward to carry through an airport without a bag. A car seat travel bag protects the seat from damage in the hold and makes it easier to carry — most have backpack straps so you can carry the seat on your back while managing a pram and a child. Key considerations:
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Backpack straps: Essential for airport use — carrying a car seat by hand through a terminal is exhausting
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Universal fit: Most car seat bags fit infant carriers, convertible seats, and booster seats up to a certain size — check the dimensions against your specific seat
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Padding: Padded bags protect the seat's shell and harness hardware from impact damage
Airline Rules for Prams and Car Seats
Australian airlines handle prams and car seats differently from standard checked baggage:
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Qantas and Virgin Australia: One pram or stroller is carried free of charge in addition to your standard baggage allowance for passengers travelling with children
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Jetstar: Prams are carried free but must be checked at the gate — they are not included in your baggage allowance for fee purposes
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Car seats: Carried free on most Australian airlines when travelling with a child — confirm with your airline before flying
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Damage liability: Airlines have limited liability for damage to prams and car seats — a travel bag significantly reduces the risk of damage occurring in the first place
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bag to check a pram on a plane?
You don't legally need one, but it's strongly recommended. Prams checked without a bag are exposed to baggage handling equipment, other luggage, and the cargo hold environment. Damage to wheels, frames, and fabric is common. A pram travel bag costs far less than repairing or replacing a quality pram.
Will a pram bag fit my specific pram model?
Pram bags are sized by folded dimensions rather than brand or model. Measure your pram folded (length x width x height) and compare against the bag's internal dimensions. If your pram folds to multiple configurations, use the smallest fold for the most accurate comparison.
Can I use a pram bag for a car seat?
Not reliably — pram bags and car seat bags are shaped differently. A car seat bag is designed around the specific profile of a car seat shell, with backpack straps positioned for comfortable carrying. Using a pram bag for a car seat typically results in a poor fit and inadequate protection.
For the full family travel range, also see our nappy bags, stroller and pram accessories, and kids luggage collection.
